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PRESS RELEASE: State University System applauds excellent legislative session

Elected leaders are investing in higher education through a new policy that will enhance university efficiency and accountability.

TALLAHASSEE—The end of the 2014 legislative session marks several big successes for the State University System, including new money for performance-based funding and for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) facilities.

The System’s accomplishments were secured with the support of Gov. Rick Scott, Senate President Don Gaetz and House Speaker Will Weatherford, who consistently have recognized the State University System’s role in creating jobs and fueling the economy, even as they urge universities to continuously strive for new levels of efficiency and improvement. All final approvals on legislation still rest with the governor.

“Our performance funding model will help ensure our state college and university system is a catalyst for developing the talent we need to compete in today’s global economy,” Weatherford said. “Working with the Governor and the State University System, the standards for performance funding can become a national model for incentivizing excellence in higher education.”

Among other accomplishments, the Legislature allocated $200 million for performance-based funding, matching $100 million in new money with $100 million in existing funds.

The allocations are based on the Board of Governors performance-based funding model, which is designed to incentivize excellence and year-over-year improvement in metrics ranging from graduation rates to cost per student.

Backed by the governor, lawmakers also passed proposals that allow honorably discharged veterans and undocumented students to pay in-state tuition. The latter measure is tied to language that reduces tuition differential to zero for all institutions except Florida State University and the University of Florida, which would have any tuition differential increase subject to preeminence performance. The bill is designed to keep tuition affordable, even as it fosters Florida’s movement toward national prominence.

“The goal of the State University System is to be the best in the country, and this legislative session puts us well on our way,” said Board of Governors Chair Mori Hosseini. “Our state leaders know that a well-educated workforce is the key to a robust economy. We are grateful, as a System, to have such support.”

“Our elected leaders recognize the value the State University System creates and have given us the tools to make even greater grains,” said Marshall Criser III, chancellor of the Board of Governors. “With their support and leadership, we will continue to be more accountable, more efficient and more responsive every day.”

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Facts about the State University System of Florida and the Board of Governors

The State University System of Florida is a constitutional body led by the 17-member Board of Governors. The system has 12 universities and more than 335,000 students, making it the second-largest public university system in the nation. Responsibilities include defining the distinctive mission of each institution and managing the system’s coordination and operation. The Board appoints a Chancellor who serves as the system’s chief executive. For more, visitwww.flbog.edu.